The Common Tunes: Your Not-So-Common Holiday Playlist

Oh holiday music. Whether you love or hate it, the seasonal tunes are everywhere this time of year – including at The Common. BUT this isn't the version you've heard 7 bajillion times, these are takes on holiday classics and originals from Manitoba's best.

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Manitoba Music to bring you carefully curated playlists for The Common and Fools & Horses and now, you can access the playlists to have something original to play at holiday get togethers! Our new Christmas at The Common playlist features hours of seasonal favourites new and old and some exciting interpretations spanning the genres.

All our playlists feature plenty of Manitoba artists, so you’re sure to hear some of your favourite locals and maybe discover some new artists when you’re sipping a beverage or enjoying some food at The Forks. You’ll also hear tunes by artists from across Canada and the world, new releases, nostalgic tunes, and from touring acts making their way to Winnipeg to play some of our fantastic music festivals and venues.

Follow our playlists on Spotify and you can take a bit of The Common with you wherever you go. We’ve got music for your morning coffee, for your afternoons and evenings, for your post-work drinks, and your late night party.

Here they are, friends:

CHRISTMAS AT THE COMMON




THE COMMON MAIN




EARLY MORNING




LATE NIGHT




Visit Manitoba Music for more info about local artists, download their free MB Live concert-finding app to stay in the loop on all the live music happening on stages in Manitoba, and be sure to follow them on Spotify.


Other posts that might interest you:

• Holiday Shopping with the Pros at The Forks Market
• Holiday How-to: Hosting + Guesting
• Get Going: Commuting with Company Using GoManitoba

How to Prep for Canada Day at The Forks!

Our beautiful country's birthday is coming up quickly! On Friday, we celebrate 149 years of top-notch hockey, endless Tim Hortons runs, cold beer, and poutine at least once a week.

We've put together your Canada Day prep-guide, so you don't have to worry about forgetting the essentials on Friday!

1. Dress the part

Take everything you own that's red and white and find a place to put it. We're talking layers of red and white, bandanas, your mom's red earrings from the 70s, and Canadian flag temporary tattoos everywhere (extra points if you have a Canadian flag headband like this cutie)!

Don't have much red and white? Two Rivers in The Forks Market has a ton of Canadian gear.

2. Know the schedule

There's a ton happening at The Forks on Friday, so check the schedule and make sure you know where you want to be, and when you need to be there.

3. Plan to play

Head over to the Variety Heritage Adventure Playground during breaks between events to keep the kiddos entertained and having a blast.

4. Pack the essentials

Pack your favorite backpack with everything you'll need for the day. Here is a quick checklist of essentials:

• Water bottle (to refill at the water fountains in The Forks Market)
• Sunscreen
• Bubbles (yes – we consider bubbles essentials)
• A blanket to sit on
• Some snacks or some cash for the food trucks
• Your favorite pair of shades

5. Make sure you know the lyrics

Concerts are so much more fun when you can sing along with the band, EH? Manitoba Music has put together an amazing playlist of the musicians playing on Canada Day. 

6. Pick a patio

Who doesn't love a late dinner on a patio? The patios on Canada Day have an extra special allure – everyone dressed in red and white, sipping drinks, and bursting out in a chorus of "O Canada"!

7. Practice makes perfect

Put on your favorite version of "O Canada" in the days leading up to Canada Day and warm up those vocal chords! Sarah McLachlan singing "O Canada" at the 2014 Heritage Classic gives us all the feels.

8. Wear closed-toe shoes

The crowds get bigger and more cramped in the evening, and unfortunately with that comes a lot of getting stepped on. The best way to avoid constant "Oh my gosh, I'm sorry"s, is to keep your toes protected!

9. Plan to visit both stages

There will be live music at the Main Stage in Festival Field and under The Canopy. So, pick who you want to see at each stage, so you don't miss any of your favorites.

10. Pick out a viewing spot

The fireworks start at 11:00 p.m., so make sure you get a spot early. The best ones fill up quickly! Some of the dreamiest spots are down by the river, along Tache Ave across the river, and on top of the hill in Festival Field.

See you Friday, Winnipeg!

Manitoba Music On Ice

Manitoba Music and The Forks are excited to announce this year's schedule of performers for the 2015 edition of Manitoba Music On Ice. Brave Manitoba musicians will put on their warmest winter wear for an acoustic afternoon of live music at the innovative Warming Huts on the Red River Mutual Trail on Sunday, February 15.

From 1 to 4 pm, you can come and check out one of the world's longest river trails while enjoying the sounds of homegrown talent programmed by Aboriginal Music Week, BreakOut West, Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, MEME Festival, The Park Theatre, TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, and West End Cultural Centre. Festival du Voyageur will also be bringing the party to the river with Rendez-vous On Ice presented by CitiFinancial, featuring local bands, DJs, fashion show, family fun, and more.

This year's diverse lineup has something for everyone, including traditional Indigenous women singers Oogimah Ikwewok, acclaimed roots singer/songwriter Jess Reimer, indie act Somebody Language, Francophone folk/soul/rocker Justin Lacroix, jazz trumpeter Simon Christie, roots/blues performer The Reverend Rambler, DJ Nathan Zahn and Chris Komus, Latin jazz duo Amber Epp & Victor Lopez, and indie singer/songwriter Adam Hanney.



PERFORMER SCHEDULE

Under the Canopy 
Presented by MEME Festival
1-4 PM DJs Nathan Zahn and Chris Komus

Great West Life Snow Lounge
1:00 PM Amber Epp & Victor Lopez | Presented by BreakOut West
1:30 PM Somebody Language | Presented by Icelandic Festival of Manitoba
2:00 PM Adam Hanney | Presented by The Park Theatre
2:30 PM Amber Epp & Victor Lopez | Presented by BreakOut West
3:00 PM Somebody Language | Presented by Icelandic Festival of Manitoba
3:30 PM Adam Hanney | Presented by The Park Theatre

Windcatcher
1:00 PM Oogimah Ikwewok | Presented by Aboriginal Music Week
1:30 PM Simon Christie Trio | Presented by TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
2:00 PM Jess Reimer | Presened by West End Cultural Centre
2:30 PM Oogimah Ikwewok | Presented by Aboriginal Music Week
3:00 PM Simon Christie Trio | Presented by TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
3:30 PM Jess Reimer | Presened by West End Cultural Centre

The Trading Post – Rendez-vous on Ice 
Presented by Festival du Voyageur
2:00 PM DJ Kilma
3:00 PM Fashion show
3:30 PM DJ Kilma
4:30 PM The Reverend Rambler
5:30 PM The Reverend Rambler
6:30 PM Fire dance / juggler
7:00 PM Justin Lacroix
8:00 PM Justin Lacroix 

See you there!

- Rachel Stone, Association & Communications Manager
Manitoba Music

Prairie Barge Festival

Our prairie summers are a precious commodity and before this one draws to a close, we've joined forces with our neighbours to the west for Prairie Barge Festival – a Labour Day weekend of free fun, music and arts for the whole family.  

From August 29 – 31, take a wander down to The Forks Historic Port to see this showcase of Manitoba and Saskatchewan music, art and culture - part of Manitoba’s Year of Music celebration.

Thanks to the Winnipeg Arts Council, Manitoba Music and Creative Saskatchewan, over the course of the weekend, you can catch the likes of JUNO Award-winning soul/pop outfit Chic Gamine, the hilarious improv comedy of Hot Thespian Action, an awesome outdoor performance by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers, singer/songwriter and former Waltons front man Jason Plumb, and alt-country favourites The Deep Dark Woods.

Throughout the weekend, themed workshops will take place on the Barge: The Floating Folk Jam will feature the fantastic Allyson Reigh, Alexix Nordman, Rosie & the Riveters and Daniel & Daniel of Red Moon Road, whereas Blues on the Barge will be hosted by Joey Landreth, Jack Semple and Sol James. Keep your eyes peeled for the full line-up coming out soon!

You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase or admire artwork from Saskatchewan’s Larry Trast, who creates soapstone sculptures, Gwen Fehr’s beeswax candles, Manitoba’s Boomerang 360 clothing, Blokland Pottery, One Plus One Designs and many more creative artisans at the outdoor art market that weekend.

Sunday from 11am until 1pm will feature a pancake breakfast from The Forks Market's own, Pancake House.  For only $5 families can enjoy a delicious plate of pancakes and sausages on seat in The Port, or on a bale of hay under the Canopy.

And while we've got all the feel-good sharing going on on the barge, we can't ignore the rivalry that is the Labour Day Classic! So we’re joining up with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to have the game projected on a giant screen - so feel free to wear your blue and gold and cheer your team at The Forks!

Bring your lawn chairs, or picnic blankets, sunscreen, and warm clothes for when it cools off at night, and make a weekend of celebrating the beautiful prairies we live in, and the vibrant talent that surrounds us!

Complete line up for the Prairie Barge Festival can be found HERE.

See you and your Prairie pride at the Barge!

Canada Day at The Forks presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries

Canada’s birthday bash at The Forks will be music to your ears, and we’re excited to share the occasion with everyone! In keeping with the “Year of Music” celebration, The Forks and Manitoba Music have come together to create a stellar line-up for everyone to enjoy (for free, as always!) this July 1^st.

There will be entertainment all over The Forks site – music Under the Canopy from 1:30 – 9:30, on the Rail Bridge from 1:00 – 5:00, and of course, at the Scotiabank Stage from 4:00 till 11:00 when the fireworks begin.

The Manitoba Live line-up includes the likes of indie folk/pop outfit Yes We Mystic, the wonderful ladies of the country music quartet, Oh My Darling, pop/rockers Federal Lights, Brazilian jazz guitarist Marco Castillo, francophone singer/songwriter Pierre Freynet, and other local favourites including Hana Lu Lu, Les Jupes, Jess Reimer, Eagle Lake Owls and everyone’s favourite DJ, Mama Cutsworth.

Coinciding with our Target Zero campaign, the stage on the historic Rail Bridge will be powered by a bicycle generator. How cool is that?

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will play a set on the Scotiabank Stage, and will also accompany The Royal Winnipeg Ballet as they treat us all to a few numbers.

Right before the fireworks, award-winning, charming, and very handsome alt-country singer/songwriter and master storyteller, Del Barber will share a few tunes with everyone, and will also be joined onstage by the WSO. 

Other activities such as the Founding Nations Tribal Village in Oodena Circle, drawing games with Art City, an obstacle course for the kids, big games – life-size Connect Four, Jenga and Guess Who – all begin at noon.

For the full Canada Day schedule, click here.

Canada Day is the busiest day of the year at The Forks – here are a few things to remember: 

• We’ll have plenty of food and beverage vendors onsite, near Scotiabank Stage to keep you energized and hydrated all day long. The food vendors in The Forks Market will also be open at 1 p.m.

• Parking will be at an absolute premium - alternative to driving, why not ride your bike and take advantage of our bike valet, walk, or take the bus.

• Bring sunscreen and a water bottle (you can refill onsite!) to avoid sunburns and dehydration.

• Bring a blanket or chair to sit on while you take in the entertainment at Scotiabank Stage.

• Also bring your dancing shoes, because we bet you won’t be able to help but dance along!

• Dig out your flags, maple leaves, and red and white outfits – let’s show Canada some love! 

See you at The Forks this Canada Day! 

Local Artists Bring Music to Warming Huts Along the Red River Mutual Trail

On Louis Riel Day Weekend last year along the frozen ice of the Assiniboine River, a dozen or so brave Manitoba musicians donned their best winter wear for an acoustic afternoon of live music at the innovative warming huts. Manitoba Music On Ice warmed up thousands of chilled visitors on the world's longest natural skating trail.

Produced by some of Winnipeg's acclaimed festivals and presenters, the event was such a success that organizers The Forks and ManitobaMusic are heating up the ice again this year, and almost doubling the line-up along the Red River Mutual Trail.  

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, music fans can celebrate the Year of Music in Manitoba with the sounds of homegrown talent courtesy of roots outfit The Bros. Landreth; Neil Watson's jazz trio; singer/songwriters Andrew Neville, Claire Morrison, and Cassidy Mann; hip hop act Chris Bennett & DilltheGiant featuring live art by Brian G; indie pop/rockers Federal Lights; and the turntable talents of DJs Nathan Zahn and Kasm. 

Presenters offering up the diverse line-up of local talent include: Aboriginal Music Week, Big Fun Festival, BreakOut West, Festival du Voyageur, MEME Festival, Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club, West End Cultural Centre, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and Winnipeg International Jazz Festival.

Festival du Voyageur will be bringing the party onto the ice with special programming around The Trading Post bar and its Rendez Vous on Ice, including a day of music featuring performances by Sol James, Red Moon Road, Dirty Catfish Brass Band, L'ensemble musical Pierre Freynet, and DJs RPG and Colin Shots.

Stay tuned for the complete schedule at www.manitobamusic.com!